United Nations Development Programme in the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia

In-depth

Prespa Lake Basin is one of the most ancient freshwater lakes in the world. (Photo: Stefanov/UNDP)

Long-term social and economic development requires responsible management of natural resources, the reduction of environmental hazards, and low carbon development. UNDP helps decision-makers integrate environmental considerations and measures in policies and supports the national capacity to prevent pollution, maintain biodiversity, decrease the negative effects of climate change, implement energy efficiency measures and reduce the risks of natural disasters.

UNDP is providing expert assistance to policy-makers in transposing UN conventions on environmental issues and EU environmental directives into the national legal framework. Specifically, this has involved helping the Government to implement the three major UN conventions on Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Desertification adopted at the Rio Earth Summit of 1992, together with the provisions of the EU Water Framework and the EU Energy Efficiency Directive.

Featured publications

This study offers preliminary estimates of the economic impacts of climate change in three areas important for the economy - energy demand, water resources related to electricity production, and agriculture. Having a better idea of the economic impacts will make it possible to better assess options for becoming more climate-resilient.

The country's first ever comprehensive description of the extraordinary forms of life found in the Prespa lakes, showing what the local population, scientists and decision-makers can do to combat over-fishing and reverse the effects of pollution.